Get ready for winter

Source: Connee Wheeler and Beverly Miller,

UK senior extension associates

Winter snuck in early this year. You can take steps now to get yourself ready for the winter yet to come and any winter weather-related emergencies. Here are some tips:

• Have snow removal items such as shovels and ice melting products on hand.

• Keep warm clothes and blankets handy.

• If you have a wood burning stove or fireplace, stock up on dry, seasoned wood to use as an alternative heat source in the event of a power outage. Hire a professional to clean and inspect your chimney every year.

• Monitor your propane tank throughout the winter to make sure you have enough fuel. Schedule a refill with your dealer when the level hits 25 percent to assure you don’t run out.

• Bring pets inside during winter weather.

• The University of Kentucky Ag Weather Center meteorologists issue wind chill advisories for livestock owners when bitter cold weather is imminent. Make sure livestock have shelter and fresh drinking water during that time. You can follow these advisories on the UKAg Weather Center at http://weather.uky.edu/index.php.

• Seal leaks and insulate walls, attics and pipes to keep in heat.

• Install storm windows or cover the existing ones with plastic from the inside to keep cold air out.

• Never use a generator, grill, camp stove or any other gasoline, propane, natural gas or charcoal burning equipment in any enclosed or partially enclosed areas for warmth or cooking. This includes homes, garages, basements and crawl spaces. Burning these alternative fuel sources in these areas could result in carbon monoxide poisoning, fire or electric shock.

• Install carbon monoxide alarms in your house.

More information on weather preparedness is available at the Clinton County office of the UK Cooperative Extension Service.

Educational programs of the Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of race, color, sex, religion, disability or national origin.